ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Exercise Gaganshakti - 2018: ALG Operations
As part of the ongoing massive IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018', fighters, helicopters and transport assets have been deployed at the Advanced Landing Grounds . The ALGs are short prepared / unprepared airstrips close to the borders in the valleys, which have limited rail/road connectivity due to challenging terrain. ALGs located strategically offer an opportunity for swift mobility of troops and equipment close to our Northern and North Eastern borders.
A large number ALGs have been operationalised and are being utilised for conducting Inter Valley Troop Transfers , Special Heliborne Operations, Air Landed operations and Special Operations by SFs, close to the simulated objective areas. SU-30s have also been operating from most ALGs in the NE sector. The full gamut of support services has been mobilised & operationalised at these ALGs for seamless conduct of these operations.
The challenges faced by our pilots in landing at these ALGs are unpredictable weather, undulating terrain, narrow corridor of approach / manoeuvring and short runway lengths. Braving these odds, the IAF pilots are undertaking these daring operations with extreme precision and professionalism, thus giving strategic fillip to these tactical operations. IVTT operations were carried out in Uttar Bharat Hills and at the Tezu-Walong in the North East sector. The support to these operations was possible due to the presence of ALGs at these strategic locations.
This exercise has proven to be an excellent opportunity for honing the skills of our aircrew and the support services to carry out these exacting operations.
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts West Bengal circle celebrates the 75th Independence Day
Kolkata, 15th August, 2021
The 75th Independence Day was celebrated with full zeal, enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across the nations today amid maintaining Covid protocol. The West Bengal circle celebrated this day in a different manner. At Yogayog Bhawan Ms J Charukeshi, Chief Postmaster General West Bengal circle hoisted the national flag in the morning.
As we know, Indian sports personalities have shown sensational performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The hard work and dedication of a sports personality have made India bag seven medals consisting of one gold, two silvers and four bronze medals.
To commemorate this biggest haul of our country at the Olympic Games department of posts West Bengal circle released a special philatelic cover on the 75th independence day of our motherland.
Ms Charukeshi, released a special cover on 15th August 2021 to celebrate the success of India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 at a special Independence Day celebration program at Yogayog Bhavan Kolkata .
CG/CB
(Visitor Counter : 45
Ministry of Railways
Special Trains for Passengers
Train services were started in phases as special trains-
 15 pairs of Rajdhani specials were introduced with effect from 12/05/2020.
 100 pairs of special trains were introduced with effect from 01/06/2020.
 43 pairs of special trains were started from 12/09/2020.
 705 Suburban services  were started from 15/06/2020.
 Additional Special trains, in coordination with the State Governments, were also run as per demand for Ganapati festival, and IIT-JEE/NEET and NDA & Naval Academy examinations conducted by Union Public Service Commission .
Important provisions of Standard Operating Protocol  for movement of passengers by trains are as under:-
1. For reserved trains, only reserved tickets are issued and confirmed ticket holder are allowed to enter the Railway Stations.
2. No linen, blankets, curtain is provided.
3. All passengers to reach station at least 90 minutes to two hours in advance.
4. Provision of separate entry and exit gates at Railways Stations to the extent feasible.
5. Provision of Thermal Screening at the Station. Only asymptomatic passengers are permitted to travel.
6. Passengers are advised to wear mask/face cover at Stations and in the train.
7. All passengers are advised to download and use the Aarogya Setu Application.
8. Advised to observe social distancing both at Station and on trains.
9. Advised all passengers on arrival at destination Station to follow the health protocol as prescribed by destination Station/Union Territories.
Whenever such instructions are issued, the same is publicized through different media at Ministry/Zonal/Division/Station levels, etc.
As regards occupancy, the pattern of occupancy of trains on Indian Railways, including that of special trains, varies across different sectors and seasons. The occupancy of special trains operated from 12.05.2020 onwards is not uniform and it varied on different sectors. However, during the period from 12.05.2020 to 31.08.2020, the average occupancy of these Special trains was approximately 82%.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
108th Anniversary Celebrations: Corps of Signals
Raised in 1911, the Corps of Signals celebrated its 108th Anniversary on 15 February 2019. On this occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Sabherwal, Signal Officer-in-Chief alongwith senior serving officers laid wreaths and paid homage to the braves in a solemn ceremony at Amar Jawan Jyoti.
The Corps of Signals has kept pace with rapid modernisation and contemporary communication challenges for robust, secure Pan-Indian Army communication reaching out into the tactical battle area and hinterland. Impetus has been provided for immaculate execution of next generation strategic networks and enhancing electronic warfare capabilities.
Addressing the Signalers posted at Delhi, Lt Gen Rajeev Sabherwal reminded all ranks that “The Corps has stood the test of time and has been a beacon of excellence in the field of information and communication technology, cyber and electronic warfare.
As part of an Army wide initiative, the Corps also reached out to renew associations with disabled soldiers, widows, veer naris and aged, needy veterans.
Lt Col Mohit Vaishnava
for PRO 
(Visitor Counter : 703
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Making Panchayati Raj System more Effective
The Panchayati Raj system of local self government was introduced by the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India. Part IX was inserted in the Constitution as a sequel to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1993, bestowing the Constitutional mandatory status to the ‘Panchayats’. The Government has no proposal under consideration to bring about changes in the existing Panchayati Raj system.
Panchayat, being “Local Government”, is a State subject and part of State list of Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India. Mandate for setting up of Panchayats is provided by Article 243 in Part IX of the Constitution of India. Accordingly, the Panchayats are setup and operate through the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts. Currently, there is no proposal in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj  to form any committee to review the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions . To strengthen functioning of PRIs across the country, MoPR has launched eGramSwaraj , a user friendly web-based portal, which aims to bring in better transparency in the decentralised planning, progress reporting, financial management, work-based accounting and details of assets created. Further, for ensuring timely audit of Panchayat accounts i.e. receipts and expenditures of Gram Panchayats, MoPR has rolled out an online application – AuditOnline . This application not only facilitates the auditing of Panchayat accounts but also provides for maintaining of audit records. This application streamlines the process for audit inquiries, draft local audit reports, draft auditparas etc. and thus ensures proper maintenance of accounts by Panchayats to improve transparency and accountability.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Oil Marketing Companies  have released 78.98 lakh LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0.
OMCs have taken several steps to encourage better consumption of LPG and reduce diversion and delay in supplies
Special provision for migrant families to avail new connection
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today informed that Prime Minister has launched Ujjwala 2.0 on 10th August, 2021 in Uttar Pradesh to release 1 crore deposit free LPG connection on pan India basis, in addition to 8 crore LPG connections already released under PMUY. Under Ujjwala 2.0, the beneficiaries are given deposit free LPG connection alongwith free first refill and stove, facility to apply online for new PMUY connection and special provision for migrant families to avail new connection using self declaration as proof of address and family declaration.
As on 28.11.2021, Oil Marketing Companies  have released 78.98 lakh LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0. State/UT-wise details are at Annexure.
In addition to special provisions under Ujjwala 2.0, OMCs have taken several steps to encourage better consumption of LPG and reduce diversion and delay in supplies. These include deferment of loan recovery from subsidy amount for PMUY beneficiaries, swap option from 14.2 kg to 5 Kg to reduce upfront cash outgo, option of 5 Kg Double Bottle Connection, conducting Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat to convince the beneficiaries to use LPG on sustained basis, mass awareness camps, upto 3 free refills to PMUY beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Package from April to December 2020, Aadhaar based deduplication, Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG subsidy, opening of new distributorships etc.
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Annexure
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State/UT
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Connections released under
Ujjwala 2.0 as on 28.11.2021
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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710
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|
Andhra pradesh
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|
14,530
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|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
1,760
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|
Assam
|
|
4,20,852
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|
Bihar
|
|
13,09,047
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|
Chandigarh
|
|
5
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|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
3,25,829
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|
Dadra and Nagar Haveli AND Daman and Diu
|
|
39
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|
Delhi
|
|
6,926
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|
Goa
|
|
-
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|
Gujarat
|
|
4,59,009
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|
Haryana
|
|
6,481
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|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
1,479
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|
Jammu and Kashmir
|
|
6,358
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|
Jharkhand
|
|
1,67,221
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Karnataka
|
|
2,52,140
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|
Kerala
|
|
33,742
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|
Ladakh
|
|
28
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|
Lakshadweep
|
|
10
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|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
6,69,437
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|
Maharashtra
|
|
2,24,075
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|
Manipur
|
|
14,986
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|
Meghalaya
|
|
12,387
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|
Mizoram
|
|
983
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Nagaland
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|
13,449
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Odisha
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|
3,93,000
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Puducherry
|
|
541
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Punjab
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10,938
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Rajasthan
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|
2,14,163
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Sikkim
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|
3,002
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Tamil Nadu
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|
1,68,313
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Telangana
|
|
28,566
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|
Tripura
|
|
4,021
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Uttar Pradesh
|
|
13,14,059
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Uttarakhand
|
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29,678
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West Bengal
|
|
17,90,848
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Grand Total
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78,98,612
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal terms India-Uzbekistan relations key to India’s vision of integrated extended neighbourhood
13th Session of India-Uzbekistan Inter Governmental Commission held in New Delhi
Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textile Shri Piyush Goyal has termed India-Uzbekistan relations as key to India’s vision of integrated extended neighbourhood. He also highlighted that this year is special to India-Uzbekistan relations, as both nations are celebrating 30th year of diplomatic relations. He said this while addressing the 13th session of India-Uzbekistan Inter governmental Commission  in New Delhi today.
In his remarks, the Minister said we are keen to have a vibrant people to people relations. Trade relations are a natural outcome of strengthening of bilateral relations. We need to take the relation forward in newer areas like technology, digital payment solutions and investment in start-ups.
The Minister emphasized upon the need to identify new drivers for ambitious growth in bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan. He stressed upon the need for an integrated approach for regional connectivity and cooperation. He underlined seven emerging areas of cooperation between both the nations namely Digital Payments, Space Cooperation, Agri and Dairy, Pharma, Gems and Jewellery, MSME and Inter-regional cooperation.
Shri Goyal mentioned that despite Covid-19, interactions & trade have increased in the last few years. Trade has increased from $247 mn in 2019-20 to $342 mn in 2021-22, a growth of 38.5% . He further said we need to explore initiatives to improve Connectivity in facilitating trade b/w our countries.
The Uzbekistan delegation was led by Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his address, Mr Khodjaev said that he is looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan in September. He said the visit of PM Modi will be utilized fully for giving a significant boost to the bilateral relations in several areas of mutual interest.
IGC meeting is an important platform to deliberate on ideas, discuss issues & strengthen bilateral relations esp. in the field of trade & investment. The 2nd India-Uzbekistan JWG on Economic Cooperation was held on 22nd June’22 wherein a wide range of issues were discussed.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Neeraj Chopra for winning Gold Medal in Javelin Throw at Tokyo Olympics 2020
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Neeraj Chopra for winning the Gold Medal in Javelin Throw at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Prime Minister also said that he played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"History has been scripted at Tokyo! What @Neeraj_chopra1 has achieved today will be remembered forever. The young Neeraj has done exceptionally well. He played with remarkable passion and showed unparalleled grit. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold. #Tokyo2020"
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Giriraj Singh inaugurates MSME Pavilion at India International Trade Fair
Giriraj Singh poses for ‘Selfie with Gandhi’ in MSME Pavilion at IITF
Union Minister of State  for MSME, Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the MSME pavilion at the 38th India International Trade Fair  in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that quality manufacturing and inclusive growth of village industries plays a key role in the development of the country.
The Ministry of MSME has set up its stall under the banner of MSME Expo 2018. Over 50 MSME entrepreneurs are showcasing their products at the stall. The theme of this year’s Expo is “Rural enterprises in India”. The MSME Expo exhibits are on Solar Charkha Scheme Products, Process Development Centres, Skill Development and Procurement Marketing Assistance Schemes.
The Theme Pavilion of the Fair is on Rural Enterprises in India and it focuses on two flagship programmes of the Ministry of MSME: Cluster Development Programme with special focus on fragrance & flavour development and Solar Charkha Mission. Other schemes of the Ministry are also exhibited in the pavilion.
Women entrepreneurs, SC and ST entrepreneurs from North-Eastern States and minorities are participating in the Fair.
A wide range of products which includes engineering goods, food, handicrafts, leather, textiles and hosiery, electrical and electronic appliances, auto components, readymade garments, gems & jewellery, cosmetics and herbal products are being displayed in the MSME Expo, 2018. The Union Minister of State also inaugurated the Khadi Pavilion set up by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission .
During the inauguration, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner MSME, Ram Mohan Mishra, and Chairman KVIC, Vinai Kumar Saxena, were also present.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Constitution of Transgender Welfare Boards/Commissions
As per the information available with this Ministry, 12 States and UTs have constituted the Transgender Welfare Boards: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.
As per section 10  of the Transgender Persons  Rules, 2020, “The appropriate Government shall constitute a welfare board for the transgender persons for the purpose of protecting their rights and interests of, and facilitating access to schemes and welfare measures framed by the Government.” All the State Governments have been informed on 09.10.2020 about the enactment of the Act and Rules for taking necessary action as per the provisions.
This information was given by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr.Virendra Kumar in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 192.27 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 20.33 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,92,27,23,625
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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20,33,75,090
More than 192.27 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 20.33 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Madhya Pradesh CM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan and discussed the good governance initiatives of the MP Government and how their transformative schemes are bringing a positive change in people’s lives.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Met MP CM Shri @ChouhanShivraj Ji, who discussed the good governance initiatives of the MP Government and how their transformative schemes are bringing a positive change in people’s lives."
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Steps Taken to Boost Export
Primary focus Government export promotion schemes/ policies is to refund duties and taxes levied on inputs used in production of export products, reduce cost disability by providing incentives to specified products and improve all-round ease of doing business. Overall thrust is on enhancing competitiveness and growth in exports of all products groups across all destinations. As a result, our export products and destinations are fairly diversified. In Financial Year 2018-19 products were exported to 233 countries/territories covering all big and small trading countries. During this period, we exported products in all the 168 principal commodity groups.
Government is taking holistic measures to make exports competitive whether it is ensuring access to affordable credit, initiating exporter friendly schemes, promoting districts as export hubs, improving logistics and improving utilisation of Free Trade Agreements .
In order to boost India’s exports, Government has taken several steps, including:
- A new Foreign Trade Policy  2015-20 was launched on 1st April 2015. The policy, inter alia, rationalised the earlier export promotion schemes and introduced two new schemes, namely Merchandise Exports from India Scheme  for improving export of goods and ‘Services Exports from India Scheme ’ for increasing exports of services. Duty credit scrips issued under these schemes were made fully transferable.
- Based on Mid-term Review of the FTP 2015-20 undertaken on 5th December, 2017, incentives for labour intensive / MSME sectors were increased by 2%.
- A new Logistics Division was created in the Department of Commerce for integrated development of the logistics sector. India’s rank in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index moved up from 54 in 2014 to 44 in 2018.
- Interest Equalization Scheme on pre and post shipment rupee export credit was introduced from 1.4.2015 providing interest equalisation at 3% for labour intensive / MSME sectors. The rate was increased to 5% for MSME sectors with effect from 2.11.2018 and merchant exporters were covered under the scheme with effect from 2.1.2019.
- For improving ease of doing business, online issuance of Importer Exporter Codes , has been started. India’s rank in World Bank ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking improved from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2019 with the rank in ‘trading across borders’ moving up from 122 to 80.
- A new scheme called “Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme ” was launched with effect from 1st April 2017 to address the export infrastructure gaps in the country.
 A comprehensive “Agriculture Export Policy” was launched on 6th December, 2018 with an aim to double farmers’ income by 2022 and provide an impetus to agricultural exports.
 A new scheme called “Transport and Marketing Assistance”  has been launched for mitigating disadvantage of higher cost of transportation for export of specified agriculture products.
This information was given by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Bhoomi Pujan and inauguration of Project Office of ALIMCO new Auxiliary Production center in Tikamgarh
In an endeavour to provide ease of services and scheme of central government for aids and assistive devices to Divyangjan and senior citizens a new auxiliary production unit of ALIMCO is to be established at Gram Pahadi Khurd in Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar be the chief guest of the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ ceremony of the new ALIMCO production centre and will also inaugurate the Project office of the unit in the vicinity of the plant site on 5th September, 2023 at 11 am in the presence of local public representatives and dignitaries.
The ALIMCO unit in Tikamgarh is being built in an area of approximately 7 acres with an estimated budget of more than Rs 35 Crores. The unit shall produce yarn-based products such as Cervical Collar, Spinal Support, Knee Brace and LS Belt. The unit shall have an Orthotic & Prosthetic Centre with P&O specialists for the assessment and fitment of aids/ appliances to the Divyangjan and senior citizens of the Bundelkhand region.
The unit shall also have a warehouse for keeping sufficient stock of aids and appliances such as wheelchairs, Motorized Tricycles, Manual Tricycles, Crutches, Hearing Aids etc. to ensure that the Divyangjan and senior citizens in the area are promptly served as per their individual needs.
A fully equipped after-sales service centre shall be built in the unit capable of servicing any type of defects encountered by the beneficiaries. The presence of after-sales service centre shall ensure that Divyangjan faces no issues after receipt of the aids and appliances.A temporary Project office has also been set up by ALIMCO for regular monitoring of the project work and to establish better coordination among the state authorities, ALIMCO and the project consultancy firm MECON LIMITED, a public sector undertaking that has been awarded ALIMCO Tikamgarh unit project work.
Shri Rajesh Yadav, Joint secretary, DEPwD, GOI , senior officials from ALIMCO and District administration will be present on the occasion.